HOW TO KEEP YOUR NATURAL HAIR REGIMEN SIMPLE

I consider the cycle of constant buying and trying different products a rite of passage for every ‘new natural’! After all, the territory is new and the product reviews are many, so you have to run through a few to discover what works. However it’s pretty easy to make this a lifestyle, well after you have found what works. A quick look at most natural hair gurus on YouTube will confirm this. There’s always a new product on the market. A new range from your favourite brand. A new product review. There is always more.

It took for me to move house to realise just how many products I had accumulated! Too many! Too many oils ( argan, jojoba, castor oil, tea tree, lavender, coconut), too many shampoos (boots, QP Elasta, Herbal Essence, Shea Moisture), deep conditioners, leave –ins, boxes and shelves worth of products. I was a product junckie and moving house was a God sent intervention! I threw bottles of oils and shampoos away and I arrived at what I now call my natural hair mantra, ‘Keep it simple’. When it comes to styling and products, the best way forward is to keep it simple.

Here’s how I stripped back on products and manipulation to allow me a simple hair regimen.

MOISTURISING

2 Oils

I have settled on only two oils over time. One light (coconut oil) and one thick (Jamaican black castor oil). I do like jojoba oil as well, but for simplicity, I have chosen these two for rotation. The thicker oil is especially used in the winter for sealing. The lighter one, almost daily. Coconut oil is great for shine and really penetrates the hair. Jamaican black castor oil is also great for shine and my edges. So its not just a random selection. They are multipurpose, tried and true. Just those two!

1 Leave-in Conditioner

Every time you watch a natural’s video on staples, it reveals at least three deep conditioners and 3 leave-ins. I know a particular guru who tries every single range Shea Moisture realises! Great for the channel, but in real life, not so much. Trust me, you only need one!

WASHING

2 products (1 Normal Shampoo, 1 Clarifying Shampoo)

I did away with co-washing, and I know that’s a big deal in natural world but, apart from adding build up, it does nothing for my scalp. So that got cancelled! Wash day is purely a tried and true shampoo and followed by a deep conditioner

DEEP CONDITIONING

2 deep conditioners ( 1 moisture, 1 protein)

Moisture is key, but so is protein. So I personally alternate two deep conditioners. But I stick two and no more.

STYLING

My advice is have one quick go to! Don’t always fidget trying this and that, that’s where frustration comes in. I know for some 4C girls, its twist outs! Ideally it should be something that’s easily done, allows a good mid-week moisture routine and something that will stay neat for a few good days!

Keeping things simple really is the key to maintaining 4C natural hair, as 4C strives on low manipulation. So think high moisture and less manipulation. Put the few products and chosen protective style in rotation and you are sure to make life easy with a simple hair regimen.

Remember if the product works, you don’t need to be hunting for another, stick with it. Your shelves, strands and pocket will thank you!